PARIS, July 30, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Here are the latest developments in
the coronavirus crisis:
– More than 667,000 deaths –
The pandemic has killed at least 667,361 people worldwide since it
surfaced in China late last year, with more than 17 million people
infected, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT on Thursday based on
official sources.
The United States has the most deaths with 150,716, followed by
Brazil with 90,134, Britain with 45,961, Mexico with 45,361 and Italy
with 35,129.
– Deadliest day in Australia –
Australia reports a record number of new infections and its
deadliest day since the start of the pandemic following a spike in
cases at elderly-care homes.
Thirteen deaths and 723 positive tests are reported in the
southeastern state of Victoria alone, well beyond the previous
nationwide record of 549 cases set on Monday.
– Record declines for economies –
The German economy shrank by a record 10.1 percent in the second
quarter, official data shows. Federal statistics agency Destatis calls
the decline in gross domestic product “historic” and far bigger than
any slump seen during the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
And the Mexican economy sees its biggest recorded decline, falling
17.3 percent in the second quarter, according to National Statistics
Institute (INEGI) data.
– Deutsche Bahn worst-ever crisis –
German rail group Deutsche Bahn says it has plunged into its
deepest financial crisis with a huge first half loss of 3.7 billion
euros as the pandemic slammed the brakes on travel.
– Early nights in Tokyo –
Tokyo’s governor calls for restaurants, bars and karaoke parlours
to shut earlier to help contain the virus as the Japanese capital
reports a record number of new infections.
Businesses that serve alcohol and karaoke parlours will be asked to
close at 10 pm, from August 3 until the end of the month, Yuriko Koike
says.
– No fans at Monza Grand Prix –
Hopes that this year’s Italian Grand Prix would be held in front of
a controlled number of spectators are quashed as officials announce
that the event on September 4-6 at Monza will be staged behind closed
doors.